Combination accelerator and brake control



S. E. ANDERSON GOMBINATIONAGGELERATOR ANDBRAKE CONTROL May 14, 1940.

Filed Jan. 16, 1939 4 Sheets- Sheet 1 WITH IIB May 14, 1940- l s. E. ANDERsoN COMBINATION CCELERATOR AND BRAKE CONTROL Filed Jan. 1a,V 1959 4 sheets-sheet 2 ATTOR N EYS wrrunss p May 14, 1940. s. E. ANDERSON 2,200,685

COMBINATION ACCELERATOR ANDBRAKE CONTROL Filed Jan. 16, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR May 14, 1940- s. E. ANDERSON 2.200.685

COMBINATION AQCELERATOR AND BRAKE coNTRoL Filed Jan. 16, 1939 lLShee'ns--Sheet 4 ATTO RN EYS WITN IIS Patented Mey 14, loro PATENT oi-"Fic 239.3 i comentarios accamnaroa AND anima s t connor.

` Stanley E. Anderson, Superior. Wil.

Application January 1e, 19,39, serial No. 251,2147 s s claims.' (ci. 19a-s) `My invention relates internal combustion engines,l and has among its objects and advantages the provision of animproved combination l i invention `applied to the accelerator and `accelerator vand brake controlling mechanism.

My invention relates particularly to a 'pedal as an instrumentalityforuse in association with means for-operating valve controlled and brake `applying devices. The pedal is so-related toits associated operating elements of such devices as to permit positive, proper and accurate control thereof. In the instant case, the invention is illustrated in `association with the controlling means for acceleratorsV and braloes of motor driven vehicles. such as automobiles. While the invention is illustrated in connection with the control and` operation of an accelerator and a conventional brake lever, I wish it to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application, but may be employed for other use to which it may be found `applicable without departing from thespirit of the invention.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a' unitary device for 'controlling the accelerator and brake without necessitating` a separate instrumentality for` each, as is common practice in the art.` My invention is so designed as to be applicable to conventional accelerator and brake operating devices-without necessitating material changes in the basic structure thereof.` Inthe accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is an elevational view of a portion of an internalcombustion engine illustrating my brake lever thereof; i y

t Figure 2 is an enlarged view taken fromthe position indicated by line 2--2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 isa sectional view along the line `3--3 lofFigure 2;

. Figure 4 is an enlarged elevational view of the accelerator 'or throttle valve illustrated in Figure 1;

. Figure 5 is a sectional view along the line 5-5 3 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a view illustrating the yieldabie coni nection between the pedal` and the throttle valve;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional viewof the` adjustable link constituting part ofthe operating connection between the brake lever andthe accelerator mechanism;

f accelerator mechanism;

Figure 9 isan enlarged sectional view along the line -8 of Figure 8;

. vention,` I` make use of antinternal combustion i 'to loosely receive a pin 52 constituting a pivot for `56, which comprises a plate fashioned to provide v Figure 41i) is a view similar to Figure 1 but illustrating the manner in which electrically controlled means may be associated with the brake lever for breaking. the accelerator linkage when the brake is applied;

Figure l1 is an enlarged sectional view along `the line Ii-ii of Figure..l0;

Figure 12 is a view taken from the position indicated by line l2-i2 of Figure 11;

`Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 12, but il-` 10 lustrating the structure rotated degrees;

Figure 14 is a sectional view of the brake lever operated switch;

Figure 15 is a sectional view along the line I5 I5 of Figure 14; and v 15 Figure 16 is a sectional viewalong the line |6 I6 of Figure 15 in combination with the electric circuit. r

engine, a portion of which is indicated at 20 in o Fig. 1. `The engine 20 includes the usual intake lever 28 in its normal position.

Conduit 24 is provided with the usual throttle valve 34, see Fig. 3. Valve 34 is xedly connected with a shaft 36 having one end rotably journaled in the boss 38 and its opposite end extending through a diametrically opposed boss 46 to serve as a pivot for an arm 42 which is provided with a bored head 44 for loosely receiving the shaft 86. 35

The outer end of the shaft 36 isfashioned to provide spaced"V and parallel flanges 46 between which I position a latch lever 48. Intermediate the ends of the latch lever 48 I provide a bore 56 the latch lever. Pin 52 is extended through aligned openings in the anges 46, and the ends of the pin are upset, as at 54, for anchoring the pin. Thus the latch lever 48 may be pivoted about an axis at right angles to the axis of the 45 shaft 36, but the latch lever may be rotated with the shaft as a unit. i To the latch lever 48 I connect a latch segment a right angularly disposedflange 60 of curved 50 configuration, with the curvature concentrically arranged with respect to the axis of the shaft 36.

Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate the normal relation between the latch segment 56 and the arm 42, at

which time the end 82 of the flange 80 extends across the upper edge of the arm- 42.

To the endI of the latch lever 48 opposite the latch segment 88 I connect one end of a tension spring 84. The opposite end' of the tensibnspring 64 is connected with a lug 88. Thus the spring 64 urges the end 82 of the flange 80 against the arm 42, the outer end of which arm is bored at 68 for pivotal connection with the right angular bend 10 of a rod 12 pivotally connected at l14 with one end of a bell crank 16 pivotally mounted at 18 upon the intake manifold 22. A cotter--pin 80 passes through an opening inthe right angular bend 10 and holds the latter in connected relation with thev arm 42.

To the opposite end of the bell crank 18 I pivotally connect at 82 the section 84 of an operating linkage 88. Section 88 of the linkage 86 extends through an opening 80 in the foot board 92 and is pivotally connected at 84 with the lower end of a pedal 88 pivotally connected near its other end at 98 with the reach |00 of the brake lever 28. Reach |00 extends through an opening |02 in the foot board 82.

Pressure on the lower margin of the pedal 88 moves the linkage 86 in the direction ofthe arrow 04 for pivoting the bell crank 18 in the direction. of the arrow |08. the bell crank 16 moves the rod 12 in the direction of the arrow |08. Under normal operating conditions, the end 62 of the latch segment 56 extends across the arm 42 so that upward movement of the rod 12 will move the segment 56 inthe direction of the arrow ||0. Since the end 62 lies in abutting relation with the arm 42,

movement of the latch segment 88 in the direc tion of the arrow ||0 will rotate the shaft 36- in the same direction for moving the valve 84 to an opening position.

Release of pressure on the pedal 88 for valve opening purposeswill permit the spring 84 to function for moving the valve 34 toward its closing position. It will thus be seen that the latch segment 58, in combination with its nange 60, constitutes an operating connection between the arm 42 and the latch lever 48 for operating the valve 34. Fig. 2 illustratesva lug |2 as being carried by the conduit 24 and provided with an adjustable screw ||4 arranged in the path of the lower flange 48 to constitute a stop for the valve 34 when moved to its closed position.

Fig. 6 illustrates the section 84 of the operating linkage 86 as being positioned inside a tube- ||6 and keyed thereto by means of a pin ||8 extending through aligned openings in the sleeve and the section 84. Section 88 has one end 4slidably disposed inside the tube H6 and is provided with a pin |20 which extends through slots |22 in the tube -||6. Between the ends of the sections 84 and 88 I interpose a compression spring |24.. I thread the tube ||6 at |25 for connection with an adjustable collar |21 arranged -to act as a stop for the pin |20.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 8, I anchor a bracket |26 to the foot board 92, and to the lower end of the bracket I pivotally connect a bell crank |28, as at |30. The reach |32 of the bell crank is provided with a right angular shaft element |34 upon |48 for loosely receiving a screw |49 threaded into the bore |50 in one end of the latch lever 48. A rivet |5| pivotally connects the segment 86 with Such pivotal 'action of the latch lever 48, and the segment is provided with a right angular flange |82 bored for loosely receiving the neck |88 formed on the lower end of the screw |48. The head |84 of the screw lies underneath the flange |52l so that the neck |53 constitutes a swivel connection with the flange. Thus the segment 88 may be adjusted relatively to the latch lever 48 about the rivet |5| as an axis through adjustment of the screw |49 for compensating .wear as well as `facilitating precise adjustment of the parts.

Link |44 is urged in the direction of the arrow |88 through the medium of a tension spring |80 having one end connected at |62 with the reach |42 of the bell crank |28 and its opposite end connected at |84 with a bracket |88 bolted at |88 to the engine., In Fig. 7, I illustrate the link |44 as being made up of sections |10 and |12 arranged partly in overlapping relation. Section |12 is slotted at |14 for the reception of bolts |16 extending through openings |18 in the section |10. Thustightening of nuts will rmly clamp the overlapping parts of the* sections into a unitary structure. Slots |14 permit relative adjustment of the sections |10 and |12 so as to secure the most advantageous overall length of the link |44. Fig. 8 illustrates the action of the bell crank |28 when the. brake lever 28 is manipulated for brake applying purposes. A slight movement of the brake lever 28 in the direction of the arrow |82 moves the camming edge |84 into pressure relation with the sleeve |38 for pivoting the bell crank |28 in the direction of the ar'row |86. Fig. 8 illustrates the maximum shifted position of the bell crank |28 in dotted lines. Camming edge |84 shifts the bell crank |28 its full distance, after which the edge |88 of the reach |00 supports the bell crank in the position.

Movement of the bell crank |28 from the full to the dotted line position of Fig. 8 exerts a pull on the link |44 and moves it sufllciently far to pivot the latch lever 48 to its dotted line position of Fig. 3, at which time the end v62 of the flange 80 is entirely in the clear of the arm 42. With the end 62 in the clear of the arm 42, the spring 64 maintains the valve in a closed position, notwithstanding the fact that the bell` crank `|8 vation of the arm 42 about the shaft 36 as an axis.

Flange 60 is of such length as to lie across the side face of the arm 42 regardless of the degree to which the arm might be pivoted in an upward direction when viewing Fig. 2. Thus the arm 42 will move freely relatively to the latch segment 56 to facilitate readjustment of the arm 42 and the latch segment 58to their relative positions of Fig. 2. AIt will thus be seen that deceleration is automatically effected immediately upon initiation of brake application through the medium of the brake lever 28. .A slight movement of the brake lever 28 effects disconnection of the latch lsegment 56 from the arm 42.

Release of the brake lever 28 will permit its return to the normal position of Fig. 1, at which time the sleeve |36 will move into the notch |38 and positively return the bell crank |28 to the full arm positions of Figs. 1 and 8 through the medium of the tension spring |80. End 62 is then shifted back across the arm 42 so as to again bring the arm 42 and the latch segment 56 into connected relation so that the valve 34 may be vcontrolled through manipulation of the pedal 86.

In operation, arm 42 is effectively connected with the latch arm 48 for acceleration purposes.

mism with the carburetor mechanism in such nanner asto secure automatic and simul aneous )ower control and vehicle motion.

During normal driving, the operators foot is' iositioned with the heel located in the vicinity of i .he pivotal connection 94, while the ball-of the 'oot is located substantially about the end of the 'each |00. In ordinary driving,` acceleration or ieceleration is secured through manipulation of yhe pedal 96 by the heel.` "I'hus the pedal `96 is zivoted about the axis 98 during normal acceler-` Ltion or deceleration. To operate the brake nechanism, the brake lever 28 is depressed by I exerting pressure with the yball of `the foot on iedal 96. `Immediately upon movement of the ever 28, the cam edge |64 pivots the bell crank 28"for unlatching the arm`42 from the latch arm lso as to permit the spring 64 to close the valve 34. Normal acceleration or deceleration gain may be `had by releasing pressure on the )rake lever 26 to permitits return to the position if Fig. 1.

In Figs. to 16 inclusive, I illustrate a modiied crm of my invention. According to Figs. 10 and .1, I make use of a brake lever |90 corresponding o the brake 1ever28. This lever includes a reach` 92 which is pivotally connected at |94 with a oot pedal |96 pivotally connected at its lower ind with the accelerator linkage |98, as at 200. linkage |98 is identical 4withithat illustrated at i6 in Fig.` 1. Linkage `|98 isconnected with the ell crank 202, which in turn is-connected` withfa `od 204 connected with `the arm` 206"which is ooselymounted` on the shaft 208 to which the hrottle valve 2 I0 is iixedly connected. The parts o far described are identical with the structure` f thecorresponding parts in Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive. The; structure of Figs. 10 to 16 inclusive diiers n that I provide electrically operatedmeans for breaking the connection 4between foot operated redal and the throttle valve 2|0 upon initiation f brake application. `Shaft 208 is provided with n enlarged extension 2|2 which constitutes' a :ore in the electromagnet 2|4. The core` 2| 2 in- ;ludes spaced bar-like members 2|6 between vhich I` position a latch lever 2|8 whichis pivtally connected to the members 2|6.` as at 220.

)ne end `of the lever is connected with `one end` f a tension` spring 222 connected at itsother` 1nd with alug. To the outer yface of the segrient `226 Ipivotally connect the latch lever 2|8, p

.s at 228.

A screw 23o is renal-.amy renamed` to an ear zar ixedly connected with `the segment 226. p Screw 30 isrestrained from relative longitudinal move nentfwithrespect to the earf232. i One end of he latch lever 2|8 is provided with a threaded ore 234 having` threaded relation with the screw 30 so that the segment 226 `may be `adjusted .bout its axis 228 so as `tosecure preciserelalon betweenthe segment and the arm 206.

Fig. 12 illustrates the latch lever 2I6 as having Ybuttirig relation with a screw at 236 toresist urther pivotal movement in one direction. The nd 238 of the flange 240 normally extends across :modest e I e i the upper edge of the arm 206. Upward move- Therefore, the operator need not,

mentoi' the rod 204 will move the valve 2|0toward 1an open position through the medium of the segment 226 and the latch lever 2I6. In this respectythe structure of Figs. .l0 to 16 inclusive is similar to that illustrated in Figs. 1 to `9 inclusive.

Electromagnet 2|4 is provided with the usual'l x `winding 242 and a casing 244 which encloses the winding. The end wall 246 of the casing is provided with a lug 248 to which I pivotally connect one end of a link 260, the other end of which is pivotally connected at 262 with the latch lever 2|6.` Thus it will be seen that energization of the electromagnet will exert a pull on the core 2|2, but since the core is restrained 'from relative longitudinal movement, the casing 244 will be drawn in the direction of the arrow 2,54. Such movement ofthe casing willpivot the latch lever 2|8 about its axis 220 for moving the end 238 of the segment 226 out of holding relation with the arm 206. Thus the arm 206 is unlatched to function in the same manner as the arm` 42 of Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive.

Casing 244 is provided with external threads 266 for connection with a cover plate 258. The cover plate is provided with a central opening i 260 for the reception of a plug 262 threaded into thesleeve 264, as at 266. Core 2|2 is provided with a rod 268 which extends loosely through the bore`210 in the plug 262 to serve as an anchor for one end` of 'a tension spring 214 having its other end xedly connected at 216 with the plug 262. Spring 214 exerts a pull on the casing 244 in the-direction of the arrow 218 for holding the ,segment 226 in latching relation with the arm 206. Movement of the casing 244 in the direction of arrow 254 is against the tension of the spring 214. Closing of the circuit through the `electromagnet 2|4 is accomplished through manipulation of the brake lever |90.

In Fig. 10, `I` illustrate the' electromagnetic switch 280` as being mounted on the foot board `262. Switch 260 comprises acasing 283 for enclosing a body 284 provided with a slot 286 through which the reach |92 and the brake lever .i |90 loosely extend. The body 284 is provided with a recess 286 in its upper side for housing a ,rotary switch element 290 of insulating material.

Switch element 290 is provided with a central bore 292 for the reception of a bolt 294 embedded intothe body 284. Switch element 290 is rotat- 1 able on the screw 294.

Between `the head 296 of the bolt 294 andthe switch element 290 I position a spring washer 298 which presses the switch element against the face 300 of therecess 288. Thus the switch element 290 is xedly restrained against accidental movement about the screw 294.

Referring 'to Fig. 14, the switch element 290 is recessed at 302 for the reception of a contact block 304 fixedly related to the switch element by a screw 306. The switch'element is also provided witha peripheral recess 308 for accommodating a contact pin 3|0xedly related to the brake lever |90. `The switch element 290 is also provided with a recess 3|2 so arranged as to provide a finger 3I4. Finger 3|4 is normally positioned between the contact pin 3|0 and a second pin 3I6 spaced from the rst pin. Fig. 14 illustrates the relative relation between the parts when the brake lever |90 is in' its normal nonbraking position of Fig.A 10.

In Fig. 16, I illustrate a wire 3|8 as being electrically connected with the contact block 304, as u wire 322 leading to a source of current 324, such as a battery, grounded at 326. Reach |92 of the brake lever is grounded; as at 326.'

' Pressure onl the pedal |96 pivots the brake lever |90. A slight movement of the brake lever brings the contact pin 3|0 into pressure relation with the contact segment 304 for closing the circuit through the electromagnet 2|4 for bringing the segment 226 out of latching relation with the arm 206. Thus the arm 206 may be elevated about the shaft 208 as an axis. At `the same time, the spring 222 will move the valve 2|0 to its closed position through the medium of the latch lever 2|3.

To the end that the `conducting relation between the pin 3|0 and the contact segment 304 may be of short duration, the pin `3|6 will en? gage the finger 3|4 to augment rotation of the i switch element 290. Such engagement will rotate the segment contact 304 out of conducting relation with the pin 3|0 for breaking the circuit through the electromagnet 2|4, 'thus permitting normal valve action to be resumed. if desired.

Switch element 290 is frictioned locked an will not rotate of its own accord. The switch element 290 is rotated by the pins 3||| and 3|6 only.A Being frictioned locked, it remains ina more or less extreme open position until release of pressure from the foot pedal |96. As the brake lever |90 moves toward its .normal position, the non-conductive pin 2|6 will engage the face 3|8 for rotating the' switch element 290 to the position where the pin 3|0 will engage the finger 3|4 and rotate the switch element to the normal position of Fig. 14.

To maintain a semi-fixed, nonbraking position of the brake lever |90, the body 284 is provided with a bore 320 for loosely receiving a latch ball 322. Reach |92 of the brake lever isprovided with a recess 324 within which theball 322 lies in a normal position of the brake lever. The body 284 may be provided with a detachable closure plate 326 secured in position by screws 328. Plate 326 is provided with an adjusting screw 330 provided with a disc 332 fitting loosely in the bore 320. Between the ball 322 and the disc 332 I interpose a'compression spring 334 which urges the ball 322 into the recess 324 for yieldingly supporting the brake lever in its normal or non-braking position. Tension of the spring 334 may be changed through the medium ofthe adjusting screw 330.

My invention functions to reduce therhazards incident to the operation f automotive vehicles. Through the medium of the two-fold functional characteristics of the pedal |96, I greatly reduce the time lapse between observed emergency and stoppage of the vehicle. The construction is such as to eliminate the otherwise time lapse necessary for the operator to shift his foot from the accelerator pedal to a more or less effective braking position upon the conventional brake pedal.

Thus, in an emergency, the operator is required to make but one short, natural thrust forward on the pedal |96, which thrust brings about deceleration vof the vehicle, in addition to brake it on the foot pedal of the brake lever and then push forwardfuntil the desired braking effect is accomplished. All these movements are more or less confusing and -time consuming. Buch confusion and time loss are entirely eliminated through the medium of my invention. One short forward push of the driver's foot is all that is necessary to bring about deceleration and brake application. This permits brake application instantaneously with the mental reaction response. I claim: p y l. In an engine, the combination of a throttle valve including means for -urging the valve to closed position, a brake lever including a pedal pivoted thereto for actuating the brake lever, an operating linkage between the pedal and said throttle valve including an electromagnet coupling, and switchvmeans including an electric circuit for the electromagnet coupling controlled through initial actuation of the brake lever for energizing the electromagnet coupling, to uncouple the linkage and permit said first means i to move the valve to a closed position.

2. Inan engine, the combination of a brake lever, a valve, a pedal pivoted at one end on said brake lever, an operating linkage connected A with said valve and pivotally connected with said uncoupllng said operating connection, to permit said ilrst means to move the throttle valve to a closed position. v

4. In an engine, the combination of a throttle valve including means for urging vthe valve to closed position, a brake lever including a pedal pivoted thereto for actuating the brake lever, an operating linkage between the pedal and said throttle valve including 'an electromagnet coupling, and a latchmeans in said linkage to be unlatched through initial actuation of the brake lever for uncoupling the linkage and permitting the valve to move to a closed position.

5. In a device of the type described, the com'- bination of a valve having a shaft rotatably y holding said abutment in engagement with said arm and for moving the valve to a closed position when said latch lever means is pivoted in a given direction for moving the abutment in the clear of saidarm, a brake lever having afoot operated pedal, said pedal being pivotally connected with said brake lever, a linkage having an` operating connection with said pedal and with said arm for moving said valve to an open position, and' means controlled by initial actuation of said brake lever for shifting the latch lever means to move said abutment in the clear of said arm` to permit said valve to close as the brake lever is moved in a-brake applying direction.

6. In a device ofthe type described, the combinatlon of a valve having a shaft rotatably journaled in a support, ,an arm pivotally mounted on said shaft, a latch lever means pivoted to said shaft for rotating the latter to actuate said valve, said latch lever means including an abutment extending transversely of i said arm, resilient means acting on said latch lever means for holding said abutment in engagement with said arm and for ,moving the valve toa closed position when said latch lever means is pivoted in a given direction for moving the abutment in the clear of said arm, a brake lever having a foot operated pedal, said pedal being pivotally connected with said brake lever, a linkage having an operating connection with said 'pedal and with said arm for moving said valve to an open position, a cam on said brake lever,`and a linkage operatively connected with said latch lever means and .actu-` ated by said cam through initial movement of the brake lever for shifting said latch lever means to move said abutment in the clear of said arm topermit said valve to close as the brake lever is moved in a brake applying position.

7. In a device of the type described, the combination of a iirst operated means including a rotative shaft, a 'second operated means, a pedal connected with said second operated means for i actuating the same, an arm pivoted on said shaft,

a latch lever means pivotall'y connected with said shaft and arranged to rotate the latter, said latch lever means including an abutment extending across said arm and a spring acting on the latch lever means for moving said first operated means to a predetermined position, an operating con-` nection between said pedal and said arm for moving said first operated means in a predetermined direction, and means controlled through initial actuation of said second operated means for moving said latch lever means about its axis for bringing said abutment in the clear of said arm for rendering said operating connection inoperable for actuating said rst operated' means.

8. In a device of the type described, the ccmbination of a first operated means including a rotative shaft, a secondoperated means, a pedal connected with said second operatedmeans for actuating the same, an arm pivoted on said shaft, a latch lever means pivotally connected with said shaft and arranged to rotate the latter, said latch lever means including an abutment extending across said arm and a spring acting on the latch lever means for moving said iirst operated means to a predetermined position, an operating connection between said pedal and said arm for moving said rst operated means in a predetermined direction, a linkage operatively connected with said latch lever means, and cam means associated with said second operated means for actuating said linkage upon initial movement of said second il operated means to move.y the latch lever means about its axis to bring said abutment in the clear of said arm for rendering said operating connection inoperable for actuating said iirst operated means.

STANLEY E. ANDERSON. 

